Breaking the Grid

Arcade

I lie back on the couch, holding my phone above me as Leah's face fills the screen on FaceTime. She's sitting in her living room, wearing an oversized Arsenal hoodie, her hair tied up in a messy bun.

"So, I've been thinking," she says, squinting at me like she's about to drop something serious.

"Uh oh. What now?" I ask, already smirking.

"I think I'm gonna get a dog," she says, straight-faced.

I blink at her, then burst out laughing. "A dog? Leah, you're always complaining about not having time to even cook for yourself. How are you gonna handle a dog?"

Leah rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed by my lack of support. "I'll manage! Something small. Like a French Bulldog or a Corgi. They don't need *that* much attention, do they?"

"Pretty sure they do, but hey, I'm not the dog expert here," I say, still grinning. "I've been wanting one too, but I'd need a dog-sitter for when I'm traveling. Can't have it sitting in the pit garage while I'm racing."

"Oh, poor Blair," she says with mock sympathy. "You just need a girlfriend to take care of it while you're off being all famous and glamorous."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Yeah, maybe that's the solution."

Leah's eyebrows shoot up. "Ohhh, I see where this is going. Girlfriend-slash-dog-sitter. Convenient. Does Kyra know about this master plan?"

I groan. "Leah, seriously?"

She laughs, leaning closer to the camera, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, come on! Admit it! You're gonna get Kyra to be your live-in girlfriend-slash-pet-nanny. It's genius."

I rub my face with my free hand, trying to hide my smile. "First of all, we're not even there yet. And second, I'm not using her to take care of a dog."

"Right, right," she says, nodding dramatically. "Because it's not like you're going on a date today or anything."

"I mean... yeah, we are," I admit, trying to keep cool, but I know she sees right through me.

Leah's eyes light up with mischief. "Oooh, Blair Becks has a date! How are you feeling? Nervous? Excited? You're probably stressing about what to wear, aren't you?"

"Leah, I swear..."

"Oh, you totally are!" she teases, leaning even closer to the screen. "What are you wearing, huh? Better not be that Arsenal shirt from yesterday. Or worse, Leah Williamson's name again. She's not gonna let that slide twice."

I let out a laugh, remembering how Kyra had teased me. "Actually, yeah. She said next time I need to wear her name instead."

Leah throws her head back, laughing. "Oh, I love that. She's already staking her claim. She's good."

"Yeah, yeah," I say, shaking my head but grinning. "I can't blame her, though. I was kinda asking for it."

"Uh-huh," she says, clearly unconvinced. "So, where are you taking her? Come on, spill."

I shake my head, enjoying this game of keeping her in the dark. "Nope. Not telling. You'll have to find out like everyone else."

Leah groans dramatically, throwing her head back. "You're killing me! You better not mess this up, Becks. I'm rooting for you."

"I won't," I say, though there's definitely a bit of anxiety bubbling beneath the surface. "But hey, back to the dog thing. If you get one, I'm coming over to visit all the time. Just warning you."

Leah perks up, smirking again. "Yeah? Well, if you get one, make sure it's cute. Something I'd actually wanna look after when you're out racing."

"I'm thinking australian shepherd" I say thoughtfully. "Big, cuddly, and friendly. Plus, it'll need exercise, so you can take it for runs."